Greece 2027 • Port-of-Call Guide #1
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Medieval walls, Adriatic views, marble streets, dramatic fortresses, seaside escapes, and one of the most memorable Old Towns in Europe.
Greece 2027 Planning Resource
This page preserves information originally shared with our Greece 2027 travelers. Port schedules, transportation, attraction hours, admission prices, restaurant availability, ferry schedules, and shore excursions may change. Always verify current details before travel and follow the ship's official all-aboard time.
Welcome to Dubrovnik
A Day in the Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik combines centuries of history with a spectacular setting along Croatia's Adriatic coast. Its fortified Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while its terracotta rooftops, stone streets, harbor, fortresses, and sea views have also made the city one of the world's most recognizable filming locations.
Whether you want history, scenery, food, a beach, Game of Thrones locations, or simply time to wander, Dubrovnik offers several very different ways to spend your port day.
At a Glance
Dubrovnik Quick Facts
Arriving in Dubrovnik
From Port Gruž to the Old Town
The original newsletter described the ship docking at Port Gruž, with local taxis and shuttles available for the short ride to Dubrovnik's Old Town.
Travelers who prefer a slower start can spend a little time along the waterfront near the port before heading toward the historic center.
Original Newsletter Schedule
Around 10:00 AM Arrival
This was the schedule described when the original newsletter was distributed. Confirm the current Norwegian Gem itinerary before relying on any specific port time.
Start Here
Five Classic Dubrovnik Experiences
These were the main sights highlighted in the original Greece 2027 port guide.
01
Walk the Ancient City Walls
Dubrovnik's stone walls circle the Old Town and provide sweeping views across terracotta rooftops, the Adriatic Sea, and nearby Lokrum Island.
02
Explore the Old Town
Dubrovnik's historic center is a maze of polished stone streets, churches, palaces, squares, shops, cafés, and narrow lanes.
- Stradun
- Onofrio's Fountain
- Rector's Palace
- Dubrovnik Cathedral
03
See Dubrovnik from Mount Srđ
The summit provides one of Dubrovnik's signature views over the fortified Old Town and Adriatic coastline.
- Panoramic overlook
- Café and outdoor seating
- Homeland War Museum
04
Visit Fort Lovrijenac
This dramatic cliffside fortress overlooks the western side of the Old Town and provides excellent views back toward Dubrovnik's walls. It is also one of the city's notable Game of Thrones filming locations.
05
Escape to Lokrum Island
For travelers looking for a nature break, Lokrum offers a very different experience just offshore from Dubrovnik.
- Botanical gardens
- Free-roaming peacocks
- Saltwater lagoon
- Benedictine monastery ruins
For Game of Thrones Fans
Welcome to King's Landing
Dubrovnik served as one of the principal filming locations for King's Landing. Several recognizable locations can be visited during a day in port.
Filming Location
Pile Gate
One of Dubrovnik's major entrances and a location used in several King's Landing scenes.
Filming Location
Jesuit Steps
Recognizable to fans as the setting associated with the famous Walk of Shame sequence.
Filming Location
Fort Lovrijenac
The dramatic fortress was used to represent parts of the Red Keep.
Interested in a Guided Tour?
Game of Thrones walking tours are commonly offered in Dubrovnik. Availability, departure locations, and prices should be verified for your actual port date.
Where to Eat & Drink
Four Stops from the Original Guide
Restaurant hours, reservations, menus, and operating status can change, so verify current information before planning around a specific establishment.
Drinks & Views
Buža Bar
A cliffside setting reached through the city walls, known for cold drinks and dramatic Adriatic views.
Bosnian Cuisine
Taj Mahal
Despite the name, this restaurant is known for Bosnian dishes such as ćevapi and burek.
Special Occasion
Restaurant 360
A Michelin-starred option with terrace seating overlooking Dubrovnik's harbor.
Sweet Treat
Gelateria Dubrovnik
An easy stop for something sweet while wandering through the Old Town.
Shopping Highlights
What to Look For
The original guide highlighted locally inspired foods, crafts, and gifts as worthwhile Dubrovnik souvenirs.
Olive oils & truffle products
Croatian jewelry
Konavle embroidery
Lavender soaps & skincare
Popular shopping areas include Stradun, Od Puča, and the smaller lanes branching through the Old Town.
Beach Time
Two Nearby Beach Options
Near the Old Town
Banje Beach
Dubrovnik's best-known beach, offering swimming, sunbathing, and views back toward the historic city.
Smaller Cove
Šulić Beach
A quieter swimming spot near Fort Lovrijenac, well suited to a shorter scenic dip.
Exploring Your Way
Shore Excursion Options
The original newsletter identified three general ways Greece 2027 travelers could plan their Dubrovnik day.
Norwegian Cruise Line Excursions
Cruise-line tours provide a convenient way to book directly through Norwegian. Any shore excursion credits or promotional benefits should be verified against your current reservation.
Our Family Travel Curated Options
Selected local experiences, private tours, and other options may be shared with the Greece 2027 group as planning develops.
Independent Exploration
Travelers may also choose local guides, walking tours, taxis, boat trips, or a completely self-guided day.
Before You Head Back
Getting Back to Norwegian Gem
The original newsletter recommended allowing a generous transportation buffer between the Old Town and Port Gruž, especially when crowds or traffic are heavier.
Taxis and app-based transportation were identified as common options, but availability and travel times should always be checked on the day of the visit.
Most Important Rule
Follow the Ship's All-Aboard Time
Do not use a general guide or an old newsletter as the authority for when to return. Follow the time provided onboard Norwegian Gem for your actual sailing.
One Port, Many Possibilities
Build the Dubrovnik Day That Fits You
Dubrovnik can be a history day, a scenic day, a beach day, a Game of Thrones day, a food-focused day—or a combination of several.
The best approach is not necessarily trying to see everything. Choose the experiences that matter most to you and leave enough flexibility to enjoy the Old Town without constantly watching the clock.
Planning Your Dubrovnik Day?
We Can Help You Sort Through the Options
If you are part of the Greece 2027 group and want help deciding between excursions, independent touring, sightseeing, or a relaxed port day, contact Our Family Travel.
